We had a visit on Wednesday August 2 from Jon Pallin, whose grandfather  was Farrer Pallin. His great aunt Lily Pallin donated the treble bell in 1931.  The inscription on the bell reads:

FOR THE GLORY AND SERVICE OF GOD

GIVEN IN THANKFUL MEMORY

OF ELLEN AND FARRER

THE WIDOW AND SON OF MAJOR SAM PALLIN

1931

Lily Elizabeth Pallin was the daughter of Ellen and Sam Pallin.  She was Badby organist from 1924-1944, and died in 1957.  She was the last inhabitant of The Lantern House after which it became derelict until its restoration in 1981-2.  Sam and Ellen Pallin are buried in Dodford churchyard. Sam died aged 40 in 1888 and Ellen died in Badby in 1916 after a long illness.  Sam was a vet with the army at Weedon barracks.

Towcester Branch of the Diocesan Guild of Bellringers rang St Mary’s Church bells on Saturday, August 12 from 10am – 10.45am.  This was the start of their morning ringing outing after which they hope to ring on Charwelton and Byfield bells.

Anyone interested in finding out more about bells and bellringing will be welcome at the tower any Wednesday between 6.30 – 9pm throughout August.